Why You Must Master Pop/Rock to Succeed in Today's Musical Theatre

Theatre has changed. To succeed in today's musical theatre, here's why you must master Pop/Rock ⬇️

When you think of Broadway, what comes to mind? The sweeping ballads of Les Misérables? The soaring melodies of the Golden Age? The lyrical brilliance of Stephen Sondheim? All of those genres are (hopefully!) here to stay!

But here’s the truth: the landscape of Broadway has shifted, and performers need to evolve with it.

As someone who's spent decades navigating both traditional musical theatre and the pop/rock world, I’ve witnessed this evolution firsthand. Starting out as a classically trained pianist, I moved to New York expecting Golden Age musicals to be my bread and butter. Instead, I was thrown straight into the deep end of the pop/rock pool. My first Broadway shows plunged me into the pop/rock-infused worlds of Miss Saigon and The Lion King.

Since then, I’ve worked on dozens of national tours and regional productions, and worked closely on developing new musicals with legends like Glenn Frey of The Eagles and Graham Russell of Air Supply.

Through it all, one thing has become crystal clear: Pop/Rock isn’t just influencing Broadway—it’s shaping its future.

The Reality You’re Facing

Today’s performers are expected to master multiple styles, including pop/rock, to meet the demands of modern casting rooms. The roles you're dreaming of—whether it’s Jenna in Waitress, Frankie in Jagged Little Pill, or Evan in Dear Evan Hansen—require you to step out of the classical "musical theatre" sound and deliver something stylistically authentic and emotionally believable.

But here’s the catch: singing pop/rock isn’t about just adding riffs or sounding “modern.” It’s about understanding the nuances of the genre and bringing them to life with skill and authenticity. Directors and music teams are looking for trained performers who can:

• Adapt their vocal technique to fit the demands of pop/rock while maintaining vocal health.
• Deliver storytelling that’s genuine and emotionally connected.
• Show confidence in their choices while staying versatile and open to feedback.

Why This Matters to You

Maybe you’ve already felt the sting of this shift:

• Frustration in auditions when casting directors tell you to "make it less MT," but you’re not sure how.
• Doubts about your song choices, wondering if they truly reflect what casting directors are looking for.
• Missed opportunities, as roles you could thrive in go to other folks who seem to have more confidence in this style.

And here’s the truth no one talks about: Even the most talented performers can struggle with this style if they don’t know how to adapt.

How to Step Into the Room Confidently

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. As someone who’s played, coached, and conducted in this genre for years, I’ve developed a clear roadmap to help musical theatre performers like you unlock the skills you need.

I’m not just teaching theory. These are real-world tools I’ve honed through years of hands-on experience in the industry. My focus is on equipping performers with practical, actionable audition-ready skills they can rely on.

With simple adjustments, you can:

• Expand your repertoire with strategically chosen pop/rock material that showcases your unique voice.
• Develop vocal techniques that honor the genre while keeping your voice healthy.
• Enter auditions with clarity and purpose, knowing you’ve mastered a style that once felt out of reach.

The Time to Act Is Now

Pop/rock isn’t going anywhere. In fact, it’s defining the sound of contemporary theatre. If you’re serious about pursuing a career in musical theatre, now is the time to embrace it.

The performers booking jobs today understand this. They’ve put in the work to master this style—and you can, too.

And now, you can pre-order my new online course, Pop/Rock Essentials: MT Edition, designed to give you the tools and confidence you need to succeed in today’s casting rooms.

So, what’s holding you back? Whether it’s fear, frustration, or the anxiety of not knowing where to start, I’m here to help you break through.

You’ve got the talent. Let me show you what you need to learn in order to feel like you belong in pop/rock shows and audition rooms.

I’m rooting for you every step of the way!

💜 Cynthia